Excitatory AAs Flashcards
in what two structures does aspartate serve as a NT on its own?
visual cortex
pyramidal cells
what are the EAAs?
aspartate
glutamate
where are EAAs found
widely distributed throughout the CNS
are NMDA receptors ionotropic or metabotropic
ionotropic
what inhibitory molecule can bind to NMDA receptors?
Mg blocks the channel
what is the MOA of NMDA receptors
allow Ca2+ influx
what does glycine have to do with NMDA receptors?
required co-agonist
to what receptor does PCP bind?
NMDA receptor
what is the MOA of non - NMDA receptors (ex. AMPA)
allow Na+ influx
what is the difference between the outcome of NMDA vs non-NMDA receptor activation?
NMDA produces a longer-lasting EPSP
what is the main function of NMDA receptors
short and long term memory formation
what is the MOA of group 1 metabotropic EAA receptors?
Gq
what is the MOA of group 2 metabotropic EAA receptors?
Gi
what is the function of pre-synaptic metabotropic EAA receptors?
regulate NT release
what is the function of post-synaptic metabotropic EAA receptors?
learning
memory
motor function
what are the two major ions implicated in excitotoxicity?
calcium
oxygen
what causes AND what occurs as a consequence of over-stimulation of the EAA system?
caused by ischemia
causes neuronal damage
what is mu-calpain?
a proteolytic enzyme which can be activated when Ca2+ is high
what causes metabolic and structural impairment to neurons when intracellular Ca2+ is high
mu-calpain
what are the four main consequences of high intracellular calcium
increased phospholipase A activity
activation of mu-calpain
activation of calcineurin
activation of apoptotic pathway (via caspase 3)
